As part of my New Years resolution I decided to take on a new challenge every month of this year. My first challenge was no make-up for the whole of January. Wow, its been such an adventure!

What a beautiful, eye opening experience! I have truly been able to grow into who I already was. I love my naked face and the positive influence I have had on the world through doing this. I have learned so much about myself and I am so grateful for this opportunity. Seriously I've learnt SO much. So here are my teachings from this months challenge, enjoy!

Discomfort

First thing was discomfort especially during the first 5 days or any time I did something for the first time. Certain situations I felt really out of my comfort zone especially professional environments, salsa events or going out in the evening – anywhere there was an ‘expectation’ that as a woman you should wear makeup. I found that pretty hard to be honest. But on the other side of the pain I found that it was mostly in my head because I mentioned it to friends and they were like – oh yeah and didn’t seem too phased by it. People that I didn’t know commented that they thought I was just a natural beauty.

In any situation where I was less than comfortable or when doing something that I don’t enjoy that much it became apparent that I didn’t feel my best self. At first I thought it was the lack of makeup but I actually come to realise in those situations I was wearing a mask as protection and when I removed the mask I felt naked. I couldn’t pretend to fit in anymore.

Self Esteem

After about two weeks in I started to notice improved self esteem especially since I was receiving a positive response to what I was doing. Huge tip here ladies, men actually like us natural. I know people have been saying this for years, but one of my update posts on Facebook never had so many likes and positive comments.

The first lesson that comes to mind here is people don’t see you for the makeup or lack of makeup you wear, they just take you for who you are. When you wear no makeup most people comment how fresh faced and young you look! I liked the fact that the mask was gone and people were able to see the real me.

I actually noticed that the connections I built with men were much more genuine and that was such a beautiful experience to have someone look at me and see me. To meet the real me, and like that. It was a huge confidence boost.

Gratitude & Appreciation

The thing I realised is I am me - all day, everyday, with and without makeup.

I noticed that makeup is not what makes one beautiful, it comes from being real and true - authenticity is what makes us beautiful. Beauty comes from the energy that you allow to radiate from within. Its about confidence and self-belief.

By day 19 the self love vibes were well and truly in. I can genuinely say I love the way my face looks naturally. I don’t wake up and think "oh no" I have to leave the house like this. I feel relaxed and comfortable in my own skin. I feel like I am seeing the real me. I can see my inner sunshine beaming through so brightly. I feel confident and I feel like myself. I also feel like other people are seeing my beauty in the same way, like it's magnetic.

Closing Thoughts

The more I evolved on this journey the more I realise that it forces you to look at the areas of your life where you feel less than worthy and evaluate them. It also teaches you to appreciate who you are naked.

By day 24 I actually got asked by someone if I had been on holiday since I was ‘glowing’ - see that’s the sunshine radiating through.

February has began and I am still not wearing make-up in fact. As I come to the end of my journey I decided I wasn’t ready to go back to wearing make-up. Its not a harsh decision but its one that for now feels right to me. I have decided I will only begin wearing make-up again when I have the desire to do so.

I would promote this challenge to all women. It is such an insightful way to challenge yourself and push your boundaries.